Promotion of the Chyura Soap and Lip Balm Value Chain in India; Sustainable Livelihoods in the Kailash Sacred Landscape

Chyura is the common name in northern parts of India for the Indian butter tree (Bassia butyracea or Diploknema butyracea). Other commonly used names are phulwara, phulwa, phulel, or chyuri in Nepal and gophal in Bengal.

It grows across the foothills of the Himalayas at elevations between 600 and 1,500 m. Its habitat is primarily along rivers and in shady valleys. After 5–6 years, the Indian butter tree reaches its productive potential; its economic life is about 50 years. The tree flowers between October and December, and fruits ripen between July and August.